Day III: 05/12/2022

 Katharine Alfond

I started off my morning by driving thirty minutes to the Jefferson County Courthouse. Immediately upon my arrival, I walked through security and took the elevator up to the third floor. This was my first time in a courthouse, and it was very far off from what I had imagined. I sat in Courtroom 430, and listened to a hearing for a client speak as well as Ms. Jimenez and the Judge discussing possible solutions as well as a follow-up date. This Client is the same client from the second call I had listened in on Tuesday morning. 

After the hearing was over, we walked around and into the Probation section of the courthouse. I met many Probation officers, that worked mostly with Domestic Violence, Sex Offenses, Juveniles, Woman etc.

After my introductions I sat in a conference room and tuned in on a budgeting and payment plan ran by the Chief Probation Officer for Jefferson County. 

Following the meeting, another P.O. who specializes sex offense cases talked casually with us [Ms. Jimenez & I]  for a while. We talked all about different offenders, cases, and all things psychology. I was able to understand a majority of the conversation from the exposure I had on Tuesday afternoon (sitting in on a PSI with a S.O.) Therefore, I felt understood and respected while actively talking about what interests me. I was able to add to dense and confusing topics but applying my recent real-life experience. 

After doing a bit more research and prep for the FIT (Family Integration Team) Court scheduled for 1:30. Ms. Jimenez and I looked at the profiles and records of the clients that were scheduled to come in at 1:30. At around 11:30, we headed up to the FIT Court Staffing, where I was introduced to numerous Social Workers, Attorneys, Therapists, as well as the Judge! I spoke with the Judge for a couple minutes about me, my interests, why I am here, and what my plans are. She was very kind and intelligent.

Once the staffing started, I sat on the bench alongside Ms. Jimenez, and all of the social workers and attorneys convened at a long table along with the Judge. For the next hour, it was open dialogue and discussion within the courtroom of each client, their progress, treatment plans, child welfare, etc. 

At around 1:00 we went to room 430 to sit on a sentencing. 

This was a case for a third count of assault and child abuse. The defendant had previously been brought to court by the same victim for stalking, violence, and  danger, however the defendant’s initial sentence was suspended and instead was given probation. In addition, the defendant was to go through DV courses.

The victim explained their side, as well as the victims DA, and the defendant’s P.O. were all arguing against probation, as the defendant clearly didn't exhibit growth during his time on probation. He would continue stalking and threatening the victim. 

 To me, the interesting part was the defendants own probation officer was against the defendant. The PO and DA explained that little true progress has been shown, the behavioral patterns, and the repetition.

The victim talked about their experience with the defendant, their child, the abuse not only the victim faced, but the abuse the decedents mother faced, as well as their child. 

The defendant also had suspicious incidents in which their GPS would die. It was suspicious in the sense that the defendant claimed they did not “feel it die” however, it vibrates and makes plenty of noise so that was deemed insubstantial.

 

The original plea was two 60-day sentences. However, as the trial unfolded, it was uncovered that the initial plea was three 20 month sentences in the county jail. 

The defendant took the stand and did their best, however, never once apologized or showed any sense of remorse. Of course, there were mental health ramifications, however, the defendant has already had a chance to prove themselves and at least attempt to take accountability. No ownership was shown, and they did not apologize once. The sentencing closed by the defendant being handcuffed and walked out accompanied by two police officers immediately. The final words the defendant said while looking directly into the camera were "I would wish this on my worst enemy” as he walked out the doors. 

After the hearing, we walked back over to FIT. We witnesses multiple men and woman walk up to the stand and explain their progress or, lack thereof, depending on the person. Some had happy outcomes, where plans to be reunited with their children were coming into place, while some were upsetting and emotional, where clients kids could potentially be put up for adoption if the client doesn't reach a certain growth in a set amount of time. 

Today was a full and eventful day. It was emotional but also very important for me to see, and I am planning on going back at least one more time.